WALSALL were today starting the search for their next manager after Jimmy Mullen was surprisingly sacked.

The board met yesterday morning, after the home game with Brighton was postponed, and ended Mullen’s eight-month stint.

The decision itself was not a huge surprise. Walsall have been inconsistent this season, failed to progress in any of the cups and are flattered by their present mid-table position in League One. But the timing was strange. The Saddlers have not played for two weeks and their last match but one was a creditable win over high-flying Stockport.

Chairman Jeff Bonser and his fellow directors decided, however, that Mullen was not the man to lead Walsall into a very busy period in the next two months.

First-team coach John Schofield has taken over as caretaker manager and will prepare the team for next Saturday’s difficult match at high-flying Peterborough.

The Walsall board released a statement explaining that the team’s erratic home form and its negative impact on crowds, in particular this season, led to the decision.

“After careful consideration, the board has taken the decision to terminate

the employment of Jimmy Mullen as manager, with immediate effect,” the statement said. “The decision has been taken as a result of a sequence of disappointing results, particularly at home games, which has been damaging to attendances.

“We wish to express our appreciation for the efforts of Jimmy last season, when his arrival as assistant to Richard Money was an important factor in improving the playing fortunes of the team. This is not the outcome we desired but feel that, with the season reaching the halfway stage, it was necessary to take this decision in the best interests of the club. The board would like to thank Jimmy for his efforts, and wish him every success for the future. John Schofield will be placed in charge of team affairs on a caretaker basis while the board begins its search for a permanent appointment.”